Well the Frugal Cruiser needs a new battery. After ten years and 105,000 miles, she's down to 11.8v when not running. Barely driving during the pandemic, and she wouldn't turn over the other day. Jump got her running, but now seems as good a time as any to change the battery out. Haven't bought one in a long time. Have access to most of the usual suspects in the area. Advanced Auto, Autozone, NAPA, possibly Interstate, and of course WalMart. Perfer not to set foot in Pep Boys.
Any of them definitely to stay away from? Any killer deals that aren't obvious in a quick search? Out of curiosity, anyone know who's making batteries for all these house brands?

PS: I'm pretty impressed at the way the charging management can get ten years out of a battery like this. :-)

 

You could get another AC-Delco and hope for another ten years... (doubtful)

I have the one from Advance in the HHR... Their "Gold" or whatever they call their premium battery. No problems in 3 years so far.

When I needed a battery for my Dodge Truck I got an Interstate from the shop where I have my work done these days... I like their warranty situation. When/If I need another for the HHR I'll go this route for it as well.

 

Operating with a known bad battery can damage the generator. Hopefully this has not happened for you. After replacing the battery, get a free charging system test at the local parts store. A now bad generator can also damage the new battery.

The original group 90 ACDelco is a favorite of members of this site. I'm enjoying my group 47 AGM battery from Sears.

 

It’s a personal choice, I like AC Delco, I had a AAA battery in Oldblue for several years , it worked great , then suddenly two cells died.
The AGM battery is a great idea , however your normal battery charger isn’t compatible

 

I have bought the OEM AC Delco Gold in the past, but this time they said it had been dropped for the Silver. Not enough demand.
.
After spending time looking and comparing I went with the Walmart Everstart T5 Maxx 5 year recommended replacement.
Stats are good and I have used this version on many boats with excellent results.
It is a perfect fit replacement with the upper side vent.

Silverfox

 

In 2017 there were 3 lead acid battery manufacturers in the US.
ACDelco sold it's battery business to Johnson Control that changed their name to Clarios. Clarios supplies about a third of the Worlds lead acid batteries.
https://bumpertobumperradio.com/late...tate-batteries
Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturers and Brand Names List 2020

 

Don - Good info, Thank U Sir.

I was gonna stick w/ AC Delco, the Dealer still sells them. But after almost 11 years I got an Advance Gold. 1 year ago I replaced my OEM

I do put my ride on a Battery MINDer® when it sits a lot. That & having our batteries in the rear away from engine heat is a plus for longevity, imo.

 

Whatever you do watch the warranty. I bought 2 18 month batteries from Napa a few months apart. I got 2 years out of both of them.

 

Thanks everybody for chiming in. I went with the "gold" one from Advanced with the 3 year warranty. That seemed to be the middle ground from everyone. I might have preferred to do the AC Delco, but my only choice would have been to buy from the dealer. And, as Donbrew suggested, they may have all been made in the same place anyway. I'll speak up if this one craps out sooner than it oughta.

 

I think in light of Donbrew’s information you made a good choice. Keep us informed, please